Nigeria, often hailed as the Giant of Africa, is home to one of the continent’s most vibrant economies. With its prominent role in the global oil market and emerging status as a hub for technology and finance, Nigeria offers a wide range of job opportunities across multiple sectors.
In 2024, understanding the average salary in Nigeria is important, especially for job seekers and those considering a career change. With recent changes in the country’s wage structure, it is helpful to know what to expect across various job levels, whether you are starting out in an entry-level position or climbing the ranks as a civil servant.
This article provides a breakdown of Nigeria’s average salary in 2024, the new minimum wage, and the civil servant salary structure. You will also find some insights into how salaries vary across different roles and industries.
Minimum Wage in Nigeria in 2024
Nigeria’s minimum wage has seen a gradual rise over the years, and in 2024, it increased to ₦70,000 per month from ₦65,000 earlier in the year. This adjustment reflects ongoing efforts by the government to help workers keep up with the rising cost of living.
The new minimum wage is the highest recorded in the country, with significant changes over the past few years. For context, the minimum wage in Nigeria averaged ₦40,888.89 per month from 2018 to 2024, with a record low of ₦18,000 per month in 2018.
These changes mean that if you are entering the workforce, you can expect at least ₦70,000 as a starting point, especially for entry-level jobs in sectors that align with the national minimum wage guidelines.
Civil Servants’ Salary Structure in 2024
For civil servants in Nigeria, the salary structure varies depending on the grade level and step. These levels determine your pay based on your qualifications and years of service. Below is a summary of the new salary structure for civil servants in Nigeria in 2024:
- Grade Level 1, Step 1: ₦70,000
- Grade Level 4, Step 1: ₦110,000
- Grade Level 5, Step 1: ₦125,000
- Grade Level 6, Step 1: ₦135,000
- Grade Level 7, Step 1: ₦145,000
- Grade Level 8, Step 1: ₦235,000
- Grade Level 9, Step 1: ₦245,000
- Grade Level 10, Step 1: ₦250,000
- Grade Level 12, Step 1: ₦270,000
- Grade Level 13, Step 1: ₦315,000
- Grade Level 14, Step 1: ₦325,000
It is important to note that the figures above represent basic salaries, meaning allowances, which can significantly increase overall earnings, are not included.
Salary Variations by Sector and Job Role
While civil service salaries follow a structured scale, private sector salaries tend to vary greatly depending on the industry, job role, and the specific company.
For instance, workers in the oil and gas sector generally earn more than their counterparts in education or retail. Similarly, high-level positions in fields like finance or IT can command salaries far above the average for the country.
For example, employees in banking and finance, especially in senior positions, often earn between ₦300,000 to ₦1,000,000 monthly. In contrast, positions in education or healthcare might offer more modest salaries, ranging from ₦80,000 to ₦300,000 depending on experience and location.
If you are just starting out, remember that entry-level roles may not offer the highest salaries, but they provide valuable experience that can lead to higher earnings over time. For those with experience or specialized skills, negotiating your salary is key to ensuring that you are compensated fairly for your expertise.
Factors Influencing Salaries in Nigeria
Several factors influence salary levels in Nigeria. These range from the industry and job role to education and experience. Let us take a closer look.
Industry
Different industries offer different salary ranges. For example, the oil and gas sector stands out for its lucrative compensation compared to others like education. Industries such as banking, telecommunications, and healthcare also tend to offer competitive salaries. Sectors that are experiencing growth, such as technology, are driving up demand for skilled professionals, which leads to higher pay in those fields.
Job Role and Responsibilities
The more responsibility a job entails, the higher the pay. For instance, managerial roles tend to have higher salaries than entry-level positions because they require more decision-making and oversight. Specialized roles, such as engineers or data analysts, also command higher pay compared to more general roles. Even within the same industry, the salary for a software developer can be quite different from that of a network administrator.
Experience and Education Level
The more experience you have, the more you are likely to earn. Those with advanced degrees or professional certifications often have a leg up when negotiating salaries. For instance, someone with a master’s degree in business administration or a certification in project management can expect to earn more than someone with only a bachelor’s degree.
Geographic Location
Salaries vary between urban and rural areas in Nigeria. Cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt offer higher pay due to the increased cost of living and the greater demand for skilled workers. These cities are home to multinational corporations and large businesses that can afford to pay more. In contrast, rural areas may offer lower salaries, but the cost of living is also significantly lower.
Company Size and Type
Multinational companies generally offer more competitive salaries than local businesses. This is partly due to the larger financial resources at their disposal. Larger organizations also tend to offer additional benefits like international exposure and opportunities for career development, which smaller companies might not be able to provide.
Average Salaries by Industry
Oil and Gas
The oil and gas industry is one of the highest-paying sectors in Nigeria. Entry-level positions offer around ₦200,000 per month, while experienced professionals can earn over ₦1,000,000. Given Nigeria’s prominent role as an oil producer, this industry continues to offer attractive salaries, especially for engineers and other technical experts.
Banking and Finance
In the banking and finance sector, entry-level roles start at about ₦150,000, while those in senior positions can earn as much as ₦700,000 or more. Professionals such as investment bankers, financial analysts, and auditors are highly valued for their expertise in managing financial assets and providing strategic economic insights.
Information Technology
IT professionals are increasingly in demand due to the rise of the digital economy. Entry-level IT salaries start at around ₦180,000, with senior professionals earning over ₦600,000. Those with skills in software development, cybersecurity, and data science can expect even higher pay as the sector continues to grow.
Healthcare
Healthcare workers such as doctors and nurses earn between ₦150,000 and ₦500,000 depending on their specialization and level of experience. Surgeons, cardiologists, and other specialized practitioners tend to command higher salaries, reflecting the high stakes involved in their work.
Education
In the education sector, salaries for teachers and academic staff range from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000, with university lecturers earning up to ₦500,000. Though this sector tends to offer lower pay than others, it is essential for the country’s development. There are also opportunities for educators to earn extra income through consulting or research projects.
Telecommunications
Salaries in telecommunications range from ₦100,000 to ₦500,000. Professionals like engineers, network administrators, and sales executives play crucial roles in maintaining Nigeria’s communication infrastructure, and they are compensated well for their efforts.
Manufacturing
In manufacturing, salaries range between ₦80,000 and ₦300,000. While production line workers typically earn less, skilled technicians and plant managers can expect higher salaries due to their specialized roles and the operational complexity of the industry.
Salary Breakdown by Job Role
Entry-Level Positions
Entry-level jobs typically offer salaries ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000. These positions provide a solid starting point for recent graduates or those new to the workforce, offering room for growth and development.
Mid-Level Positions
Mid-level professionals, who usually have more experience, earn between ₦200,000 and ₦500,000. These roles often come with additional responsibilities, requiring a deeper understanding of their respective fields.
Senior-Level Positions
Senior positions, such as managers and executives, can command salaries ranging from ₦500,000 to over ₦1,000,000. Individuals in these roles are responsible for guiding company strategy and making high-impact decisions.
Regional Salary Differences
Lagos
As Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos offers the highest salaries. The cost of living is steep, but the city provides numerous high-paying opportunities, particularly in industries such as finance, technology, and oil.
Abuja
Salaries in Abuja are similar to those in Lagos, though slightly lower. The city is home to government institutions and international organizations, which often offer competitive pay packages.
Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt’s economy revolves around the oil and gas industry, which translates to higher-than-average salaries for professionals in this field. This city provides well-paying jobs for engineers, geologists, and other specialists involved in energy production.
Rural Areas
In rural areas, salaries tend to be lower, but the cost of living is also much more affordable. Some sectors, such as agriculture, may offer competitive salaries for specialized roles, though opportunities in other industries may be limited.
Impact of Education and Experience
Higher educational qualifications and experience generally lead to better pay. Advanced degrees, such as a master’s or PhD, can significantly boost earning potential. Similarly, obtaining professional certifications in fields like IT, finance, or project management can lead to career advancement and salary increases.
Gender Pay Gap in Nigeria
There is a noticeable gender pay gap in Nigeria, with women often earning less than men for similar roles. Various studies suggest that this gap ranges from 20% to 30%, depending on the industry. Efforts are being made to address these disparities, including gender equality policies and programs aimed at increasing women’s representation in high-paying fields.
Salary Trends and Projections
The demand for professionals in the IT and healthcare sectors continues to rise, largely driven by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the digital transformation sweeping through industries. Looking ahead, the renewable energy and technology sectors are expected to offer some of the most competitive salaries as Nigeria diversifies its economy.
Additional Benefits and Perks
Beyond salaries, many employers in Nigeria offer additional perks such as healthcare, housing allowances, and transportation benefits. These extras can significantly enhance an employee’s overall compensation package, making certain roles more attractive.
Conclusion
In 2024, salaries in Nigeria continue to evolve, with the new minimum wage of ₦70,000 providing a higher base for workers across various sectors. Civil servants benefit from a clear, structured pay scale, while private sector employees might see more varied earnings depending on their field and role. Regardless of where you stand, understanding the average salary in Nigeria gives you a better sense of what to expect and how to make informed career decisions.